Is A Pickguard Necessary? (Explained And Solved)

A pickguard is a piece of plastic or other material that is placed on the body of an acoustic or electric guitar to protect the finish from being scratched by the picks used to play the instrument. Some people believe that a pickguard is necessary for all guitars, while others claim that they are only necessary for guitars with a painted finish. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of this argument and let you decide the question is a pickguard necessary!

Is A Pickguard Really Necessary?

There are pros and cons to both sides of this argument. On one hand, a pickguard can protect the finish on your guitar from being scratched or nicked. This is especially important if you have a painted finish on your guitar. On the other hand, some people believe that a pickguard can interfere with the sound of your instrument and that it is not necessary for all guitars.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to use a pickguard on your guitar. If you are unsure, we recommend trying out different configurations and seeing what works best for you!

What Is A Pickguard And What Does It Do?

A pickguard is a piece of plastic or other material that is placed on the body of an electric guitar to protect it from being scratched by the picks used to play the instrument. Some people believe that a pickguard is necessary for all guitars, while others claim that they are only necessary for guitars with soft finishes and those which use heavier gauge strings, such as basses.

Are They Necessary For All Guitars Or Just Certain Types Of Guitars?

Certain types of guitars like Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters cover the electronics with the pickguard. For those guitars they are necessary. However other guitars like a Gibson Les Paul do not absolutely need one. Many guitarists take off the pickguard on a Les Paul.

Acoustic guitars and classical guitars do not absolutely need one but they do help protect the wood and finish of the guitar.

How Do You Know If Your Guitar Needs A Pickguard And How Do You Go About Getting One Installed If It Does Need One?

If you play a lot of guitar, then it is very likely that over time the pickguard may get chipped or scratched. If this happens to your instrument, then it would be worth getting a new one installed as soon as possible – because even though they look like an insignificant piece of plastic on its own right now, when placed against something else such as skin tone (which most musicians have) they will stand out and detract from the appearance of your guitar’s bodywork in general.

Some people prefer not having any at all so if you decide against installing them right away don’t worry too much about whether or not others think less than yours for doing so; ultimately only what matters is how well protected those beautiful curves and contours on the body of your guitar are when you’re playing live or in the studio.

Most guitarists replace the pickguard themselves, however, you can get one replaced at your local music store or luthier shop in town.

What Are Some Of The Different Types Of Pickguards That Are Available On The Market Today And What Are Their Benefits/Disadvantages?

There are a few different types of pickguards that you can choose from:

• Standard Pickguard: This is the most common type of pickguard and it is made out of plastic. It protects the guitar from being scratched by picks and it also helps to reduce the noise that is created when the strings hit the pickups. The disadvantage of this type of pickguard is that it can make your guitar sound duller than if you did not have one installed.
• Customized Pickguard: A customized pickguard allows you to personalize your guitar by choosing a design or image that you want to be displayed on it. The advantage of this type of pickguard is that it makes your guitar look unique and it can help protect the finish from being scratched. The disadvantage is that they can be more expensive than other types of pickguards.
• Painted Pickguard: A painted pickguard is a great way to add color and personality to your guitar. It also helps to protect the finish from being scratched. The disadvantage of this type of pickguard is that it can chip or scratch over time.
• Tortoise Shell Pickguard: This type of pickguard is made out of plastic and it has a tortoiseshell pattern on it. It protects the guitar from being scratched by picks and it also helps to reduce the noise that is created when the strings hit the pickups.
• Brass Pickguard: This type of pickguard is made out of metal and it has a brass finish on it. It protects the guitar from being scratched by picks and it also helps to reduce the noise that is created when the strings hit the pickups.

What Are Some Tips For Installing A New Pickguard On Your Guitar Yourself Or Taking It To A Professional Luthier For Installation?

• If you are installing a new pickguard on your guitar yourself, it is important to make sure that the measurements of the pickguard match those of your guitar. You can do this by measuring the diameter of the hole in the center of the pickguard and then comparing it to the diameter of the hole in the center of your guitar’s body.
• Before you install a new pickguard on your guitar, it is important to clean off any old residue or dirt that may be on the surface of your guitar. This can be done by using a cleaning cloth or some rubbing alcohol.
• It is also important to make sure that the screws that hold the pickguard in place are tight before playing your guitar. If they are loose, they could fall out and damage the finish on your guitar.
• If you are taking your guitar to a professional luthier for the installation of a new pickguard, it is important that you ask them to use the same screws that were used to install the old pickguard. This will help ensure that the new pickguard is installed correctly and it will also prevent any damage to the finish on your guitar.

Conclusion – Is A Pickguard Necessary?

One of the most common questions people have when it comes to guitars is whether or not they need a pickguard. The answer to this question depends on your playing style and how rough you are with your instruments. If you are someone who likes to play aggressively and you tend to hit the strings hard, then a pickguard can help protect your guitar from being scratched or damaged. If you are someone who is more gentle with your playing and you don’t hit the strings as hard, then you may not need a pickguard.

Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to install a pickguard on your guitar. There are a few different types of pickguards that are available on the market today and each has its own benefits and disadvantages. So, before making a decision, be sure to research all of your options and decide which type of pickguard is right for you.

Thank you for reading our article answering the question “is a pickguard Necessary”